A bit of background on the show: based on the cult Japanese series Sasuke and its offshoots, the Aussie version, will follow the same hyper-athletic format that sees competitors throw themselves through one whack obstacle after another, including fan favourites the Salmon Ladder, Devil Steps and Warped Wall.

Sopiea Kong, 28

This stylist, Bruce Lee and martial arts fan hailing from Queensland’s Logan Village, taught herself to use nun chucks by watching YouTube videos - and even admits to even carrying them around in her handbag.

Lisa Parkes, 43

A former national level gymnast, this Personal Trainer and mum was paralysed in a car accident the day before the Aerobics World Championships in South Africa. Doctors told the Byron Bay local she’d never walk again, but Lisa, the eldest Ninja Warrior contestant, didn’t take ‘no’ for an answer, teaching herself to walk again within six months.

Janet Smith, 37

A stillbirth was the catalyst for this Margaret River local, mum of three and Australia’s reigning number one Elite Obstacle Racer, to switch careers from finance to fitness.

Kate Cumbers, 30

This self-proclaimed energizer bunny, works out for five hours every day, seven days a week. The personal trainer moved from country WA to Melbourne, with no money or friends and lived in backpacker’s accommodation while studying her Certificate 3 and 4 in fitness – so she’s resourceful to say the least.

Emma Knight, 31

A two-time Australian triple jump champion, this audiologist says she was the last in her class to get the hang of the movement, and given her sporting prowess, expectations of this 5’9’ competitor are high.

Celeste Dixon, 31

An elite gymnast who unfortunately missed out on the Olympics twice – once because the age of entry was changed and again from an accident that ruptured her kidney and fractured her elbow, Celeste is a full-time barista and aerial artist, ready to show that height isn’t important when it comes to strength (she’s 5’2’).